Auburn Stun No. 1 Georgia With Last-Second Field Goal in 27–24 Upset

Unranked Auburn pulled off a dramatic upset on Saturday, October 17, defeating top-ranked Georgia 27–24 after kicker Alex McPherson converted a 34-yard field goal as time expired at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.

The victory ended Georgia’s nine-game winning streak against Auburn and marked the Tigers’ first win over the Bulldogs in Athens in 21 years, according to reports from Reuters and the Associated Press. It also dealt Georgia its first defeat of the season, leaving the Bulldogs with a 6–1 record. Reuters report⁠.

Georgia started strongly, racing to a 14–0 lead after quarterback Gunner Stockton connected with tight end Lawson Luckie for a touchdown pass, following an earlier scoring run by Dwight Phillips Jr. Auburn gradually fought its way back into the contest, relying on a powerful ground attack led by quarterback Byrum Brown.

Brown finished with 115 rushing yards and a touchdown on 26 carries, while also throwing a touchdown pass. Auburn scored 24 unanswered points to take a 24–14 lead before Georgia mounted a late comeback in the fourth quarter.

Stockton helped the Bulldogs level the score at 24–24 with a four-yard touchdown pass to Luckie, completing a 94-yard drive with 2 minutes and 58 seconds remaining. However, Georgia’s hopes of securing a late victory suffered a major setback when Stockton lost a fumble with 58 seconds left while the Bulldogs were moving into position for a potential go-ahead field goal.

Auburn safety Sylvester Smith-Reed recovered the loose ball at the Tigers’ 44-yard line. Auburn then advanced into scoring range, with a roughing-the-passer penalty against Georgia’s Gabe Harris Jr. helping the Tigers’ drive.

McPherson calmly converted the decisive 34-yard kick as the clock ran out, triggering celebrations among Auburn players and supporters.

The result was another major shake-up in American college football, following the previous week’s defeat of then-No. 1 Texas by Oklahoma. Georgia had also entered the game on a 53-game winning streak against unranked opponents, a run that came to an end with Saturday’s loss. FOX Sports game report⁠.

Auburn improved to 4–2 overall, while Georgia will look to regroup during its upcoming bye week before facing Florida on October 31. Auburn’s next assignment is a home game against LSU.